Ndiho Media,LLC.

By Ndiho Media | Nairobi

Kenya is reeling from one of the deadliest waves of political unrest in recent years. At least 16 people were killed and more than 400 injured during mass protests in Nairobi this week, as security forces cracked down on demonstrators demanding accountability and economic justice.

Ndiho Media spoke with Hussein Khalid, a leading human rights advocate and CEO of VOCAL Africa, who painted a grim picture of the state of civil liberties in the country.

“This week was meant to commemorate comrades who were killed last year,” Khalid said. “Instead, the state responded with water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets—and once again, live ammunition.”

The protests were sparked by growing frustrations with President William Ruto’s administration, which had campaigned on promises of economic reform and youth empowerment through a “bottom-up” agenda. Instead, young Kenyans say they feel betrayed.

“The same government that claimed to be for the hustlers is now turning its guns on them,” Khalid added. “What we are seeing is a war on dissent.”

He said the situation has become so dangerous that activists now live in fear of forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

“Yes, I am afraid. People are being taken from their homes. Some disappear, some are found dead,” Khalid said.

The government has blamed the unrest on “terrorists” and “looters,” but Khalid rejected that narrative, calling it a dangerous attempt to criminalize a constitutional right.

“We don’t need permission to protest. It’s a guaranteed right in our constitution,” he said. “If the government wants to ban demonstrations, they need to call a referendum. Until then, we will not be silenced.”

There’s also concern over a government-ordered media blackout during the protests. Khalid said attempts to muzzle the press are unconstitutional.

“Media freedom is non-negotiable. If the police don’t want their brutality reported, they should stop committing it,” he said.

Despite the bloodshed, the youth-led movement shows no signs of backing down.

“We’re at a standstill,” Khalid told Ndiho Media. “Protesters are mobilizing for another round, and the government refuses to listen. Unfortunately, there is no end in sight.”